Title 15, Commerce and TradeRelease 119-102

§273 Functions; for Whom Exercised

Title 15 › CHAPTER 7 — NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY › § 273

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Institute can do its work for the U.S. government, for international groups the U.S. belongs to, for friendly foreign governments, for state and local U.S. governments, and for scientific groups, schools, companies, or people in the U.S. or friendly countries who need standards or measuring tools. When helping foreign groups or private organizations abroad, the Institute must coordinate with other U.S. agencies, especially the Department of State. All requests for the Institute’s services must follow its established rules.

Full Legal Text

Title 15, §273

Commerce and Trade, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

The Institute is authorized to exercise its functions for the Government of the United States and for international organizations of which the United States is a member; for governments of friendly countries; for any State or municipal government within the United States; or for any scientific society, educational institution, firm, corporation, or individual within the United States or friendly countries engaged in manufacturing or other pursuits requiring the use of standards or standard measuring instruments: Provided, That the exercise of these functions for international organizations, governments of friendly countries and scientific societies, educational institutions, firms, corporations, or individuals therein shall be in coordination with other agencies of the United States Government, in particular the Department of State in respect to foreign entities. All requests for the services of the Institute shall be made in accordance with the rules and regulations herein established.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

“Herein”, referred to in last sentence of this section, refers to act Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, which is classified generally to this chapter.

Amendments

1988—Pub. L. 100–418 substituted “Institute” for “Bureau” and for “bureau”. 1972—Pub. L. 92–317 authorized the Bureau to extend its services to international organizations of which the United States is a member, and for governments of friendly countries in coordination with the Department of State.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

15 U.S.C. § 273

Title 15, Commerce and Trade

Last Updated

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102